The inter-city rivalry could start early this season as capital clubs Arsenal and Chelsea go head-to-head for the services of Leon Bailey, The Sun reports.

There is little more than two weeks left before the Premier League transfer window crashes shut but 20-year-old winger Bailey is understood to be desperate for a switch, which may prompt both London clubs to react.

New Gunners boss Unai Emery insisted Arsenal’s transfer business was ‘complete’ two weeks ago but may be tempted back into the market for a fee of between £35-40 million pounds.

Chelsea, meanwhile, are at risk of losing both Eden Hazard – to Real Madrid – and Willian, who is unlikely to be heading to Barcelona after the Catalan club signed Malcom, but is still very much on Manchester United’s radar.

Bailey scored 12 goals in 34 games for Leverkusen in all competitions last year while helping them to a fifth-placed finish in the Bundesliga.